A roundup of songs for men in their 30s to sing [’90s–’00s tracks]

In the Morning of DeterminationAqua Timez

Aqua Timez 'Ketsui no Asa ni' Music Video (Theme song of the film 'Brave Story')

This song resonates with lyrics full of kindness and empathy.

Without hiding its own naivety, it gently conveys the desire to live life in one’s own way, carried by a warm, soothing melody.

It tenderly embraces everyday doubts and inner conflicts, as well as the ache of not being able to speak one’s true feelings, resulting in a track that stands by every listener.

Released by Aqua Timez in July 2006, it drew attention as the theme song for the animated film Brave Story.

It was also used in Sapporo Beer’s New Year Sports Special: Hakone Ekiden commercial, and has been loved by many.

This is a song you’ll want to hear when your heart is wavering or when you’re facing an important decision.

It’s also easy to follow the melody for karaoke, allowing you to sing it with heartfelt emotion.

choB-DASH

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This track is a major single by B-DASH.

It’s meant to be enjoyed by ear, and if you actually look at the lyrics, the English and Japanese are all jumbled.

But that’s B-DASH’s signature—its English-like vibe makes it really cool.

The vocal range is D#3 to A#4, with the highest note being a high A#; it’s on the higher side, but most of the song sits around D4.

Since it’s a short song, it might be fun to just go with the flow and sing it without worrying about the lyrics! Give it a try!

Thank you!!HOME MADE Family

HOME MADE Kazoku 'Thank You!!'

HOME MADE Kazoku’s “Thank You!!” is their third single overall and served as the second ending theme for the TV Tokyo anime BLEACH.

At HOME MADE Kazoku’s live shows, instead of fans shouting “Encore!”, they reportedly sing the chorus of “Thank You!!”.

One notable feature of this song is its wide vocal range, spanning A2 to G4.

KURO, who handles the lower parts, mainly sings within the octave starting at A2, while lead vocalist MICRO sings an octave above KURO.

Their call-and-response is wonderful, isn’t it? Although the range is wide, the overall pitch isn’t that high, so it’s relatively easy for men to sing.

Since it’s hip hop, try keeping time with your hands while you sing!

Hold me, señoritaTomohisa Yamashita

Tomohisa Yamashita (Yamashita Tomohisa) Daite Señorita [2014 version]

Tomohisa Yamashita, known by his nickname Yamapi, was a member of the idol group NEWS from 2003 to 2011.

In 2006, Yamapi released his long-awaited debut solo single, Daite Señorita, which was used as the theme song for the TBS drama Kurosagi.

The song’s intro is cool and memorable.

As an idol song, its vocal range is relatively narrow, making it easy to sing even for those who aren’t confident with high notes.

The opening of the first verse is quite low, so it may be tricky to hit the pitches, but if you sing carefully, you’ll be fine.

There’s also a simple choreography in the chorus, so try enjoying it while keeping the rhythm.

Paradise BabyRIP SLYME

RIP SLYME – Rakuen Baby

For those in their 30s today, the April 2025 announcement that RIP SLYME would be restarting with all five original members must have been electrifying news.

They produced many hits in the 2000s, but when it comes to karaoke, the first song that comes to mind is undoubtedly Rakuen Baby, released in 2002.

In recent years it’s enjoyed a revival on platforms like TikTok, so it’s well-known among younger generations too.

With its Latin-flavored arrangement and the group’s strength of having four distinct MCs on full display, it’s a super-charged killer tune that always brings the hype, making it a karaoke favorite.

The melody is woven in generously, so even those who aren’t confident with rap should find it approachable.

Sing it with friends while trading rap lines, and you’re guaranteed to have a blast!

Bridge of Gloryyuzu

Eikou no Kakehashi – Yuzu (Full)

This song portrays the hardships and setbacks in life, and the journey of overcoming them to grasp hope.

It beautifully expresses the light that awaits beyond tears no one sees and the sweat shed in silence, woven with melodies and words that deeply resonate with listeners.

Released by Yuzu in July 2004, the song was chosen as NHK’s official theme for the Athens Olympics, and, together with the moment the men’s gymnastics team won gold, it became etched in the memories of many.

Loved as a cheer song for everyone striving toward their goals, it continues to offer support: to those taking steady steps toward their dreams and to those confronting the walls before them.

As a piece that accompanies the important moments of life, it delivers a powerful, heartfelt message that truly resonates.

astronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKEN

BUMP OF CHICKEN “Stargazing”

A true masterpiece among masterpieces, with a raw guitar sound and a heart-stirring melody that shine with timeless brilliance—as if the restless rush of youth were rendered directly into sound! Even in the 2020s, BUMP OF CHICKEN’s early signature song “Tentai Kansoku” remains immensely popular and is a karaoke staple.

Motoo Fujiwara’s vocals, still tinged with the youthful blue of his early twenties at the time, are moving no matter when you listen, and overall the pitch sits on the lower side, making it approachable even for those who struggle with high notes.

The pitch movement is somewhat dramatic, and the A-melody in particular demands quite low notes, so try to consciously bring out a sultry nuance like Fujiwara’s without letting it become too flat.